What happens if you touch the elf on the shelf?

If you touch the elf on the shelf, they’ll lose some of their magic. To restore your elf’s magic, try:

  • Writing a letter to your elf or to Santa to apologize for touching the elf
  • Sprinkling some cinnamon (i.e., elf vitamins) next to your elf to help restore magic
  • Singing a Christmas carol to strengthen your elf’s magic with Christmas cheer

If your elf temporarily loses their magic, you could ask QuillBot’s AI Chat how to incorporate elf on the shelf ideas that involve the elf feeling unwell or getting treatment.

Read this FAQ: What happens if you touch the elf on the shelf?

When do you start elf on the shelf?

Many families start elf on the shelf on December 1, marking the beginning of the Christmas countdown. Others start on Black Friday, and some may start even earlier.

It’s never too early to start thinking of creative elf on the shelf ideas to surprise and delight kids throughout the season.

If you want to write an introduction letter from your elf on the shelf, use QuillBot’s letter generator to create your first draft.

Read this FAQ: When do you start elf on the shelf?

What is elf on the shelf?

Elf on the shelf is a Christmas tradition featuring a small elf that “watches” children and reports their behavior to Santa. The tradition comes from a 2005 children’s book. 

Parents place the elf in new spots each night, sometimes coming up with elaborately creative elf on the shelf ideas to create fun, surprising setups that bring the elf to life throughout the holiday season.

To learn more about elf on the shelf, ask QuillBot’s AI Chat.

Read this FAQ: What is elf on the shelf?